Macy's 8th floor

Each year at Christmas time, Macy's in downtown Minneapolis decorates the entire 8th floor of their store with a story. Think "it's a small world" of Christmas story. This year, the theme was  "A Day in the Life of an Elf." Through a series of whimsical, vivid vignettes, the animated display tells the story of Santa's elves at the North Pole as they prepare for Christmas. As we walked through, we saw the daily life of an elf, from waking up and getting Santa's mail to teaching the reindeer how to fly. This is always a highlight of the Holiday season for me and my family. This year was better than the others. Not because of the "theme", which was a repeat from last year (lame!). But rather because my niece, Eliot, and my nephew, Olivier, are now at the age where they REALLY enjoyed each little scene. It was so wonderful to see their excitement and joy over every little detail. So cute!

     

When Eliot saw this mannequin, she said, "that one looks like daddy!" I have to admit, he really does look like my brother Ryan!

  

The men in my family! All so cute :)

This mannequin looked like Bluejay. And yes... I'm VERY proud!

These next photos make me melt. Bluejay LOVES kids. Especially Eliot and Olivier. After spending Christmas and the day after together, Bluejay nearly has me convinced that we should start a family. Ok, ok... calm down... I said NEARLY! But he was so stinking adorable playing with Olivier. Bluejay makes Olivier giggle like I've never heard before. Bluejay throws Eliot higher than I've ever seen a kid "fly". He is definitely that crazy fun uncle that makes you laugh so hard that you can't breathe! I love to dream about his strong arms someday holding our babies and hearing their sweet giggles. *Sigh... Someday, Lord willing!

   

On thing I've noticed this Christmas, is that since I am a professional photographer now, I have been unofficially declared the families photographer. Which means that I don't exist IN many photos... simply behind the camera. I'll have to figure out a way to remedy that! 

Why Christmas is my favorite

I could enumerate countless reasons why Christmas is my favorite. I love the twinkle lights and the way the sparkle off the snow (even the Christmas Eve blizzards!) I love the smell of fresh baked cookies coming from the oven. I love the smiles and giggles from my niece and nephew. I love spending ALL DAY with family. I love when all us girls are cooking in the kitchen and the way the "men folk" in our lives enjoy our food. I love the crazy shopping and the seemingly endless lists of gifts for family and friends. I love decorating the tree. I love the piles of wrapped presents. I love the holiday movies like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "White Christmas". I love all the red and green. I love snuggling in front of the tree with Bluejay. I could go on and on. But there is one reason that I love Christmas more that any other reason. I love to think about how Jesus Christ came as a little baby over 2000 years ago. I imagine how Mary and Joseph thought when they realized they were having a baby in a stable! I wonder what the shepherds felt when the sky above them was illuminated with Angels. I love the way the the birth of Jesus points to a much great act of love- the death of Jesus. This time of year, I am floored by the fact that God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to come to earth as a baby, to live a perfect life, and to take the punishment that you and I deserve for our sins by dying on the Cross in our place! And I am amazed that the story doesn't end there. I love that Jesus didn't simply die, but he rose from the dead. I serve a living God! Even though that is the story of Easter, I love that Christmas points to it. It reminds me that I am not meant to live for myself. Christmas isn't about family, food or presents. It's about so much more! So I am most thankful for this gift than any other I received this year.

That being said- here are some photos from my family Christmas this year. My mom came in last weekend and her and I have been shopping like crazy. My dad and aunt flew in from Ca on Christmas Eve. This made me nervous because forecast called for 16-22 inches of snow! But he made it! And we didn't get THAT much snow... but DEFINITELY a white christmas. On Christmas Eve, Bluejay and I spent the day at his mom's house. She gave us super mario bros for the wii... so of course we had to play! On Christmas day, my brother and sister-in-law and their kids came over for brunch and presents! It was really fun to watch the kids enjoy Christmas! It was one of the best Christmas' I've had in quite some time. The perfect mix of family and fun and eating! Loved it! Bluejay also surprised me and bought me two new lenses for my camera! He really is the best, most wonderful, most handsome husband in the world! The Lord truly blessed me! I'll let these photos tell the rest of the day!

 

Christmas Day always begins with Grandpa reading the story of Jesus' birth to the Grandkids. It's so cute, I can't wait to have a kid or two of my own to put on Grandpa's lap!

  

Olivier and Eliot got Mickey and Minnie Mouse to remind then that Grandma and Grandpa now live in Ca where Minnie and Mickey live!

   

To remind my dad that even though they now live in Ca, their home will always be in Mn with us!

 

The day ended with Grandpa reading a book that Grandma wrote and hand illustrated for Eliot and Olivier who are in their new PJ's.

The Johnson Journal

Our Christmas newsletter is finally DONE! I would LOVE to send you one! If you are a long lost friend who loves my photos- if we've never met and you simply read my blog from time to time- if you are someone I see each week after week at church... send me your address, and in turn you will receive "The Johnson Journal". If you prefer a pdf version click the image below or email me: hopefeathers {at} me {dot} com! MERRY CHRISTMAS!